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It isn't bad for a casual watch but it isn't the best work by the studio, either. They aren't doing anything new with the setting, power system, or characters. The combination of 3D backgrounds and 2D characters did utilize dynamic camera angles, but the pacing and moment in the fights didn't impress me as much as the ones in K did.

I like the idea of tattoos giving the characters powers but the power system here could have used some work. We're given what they are called and roughly what their powers are, but not their strengths and weaknesses (for the most part) so the ... battles don't have much tension.

When I first picked up the series, I was still a bit bitter about Pandora Hearts ending. Part of me expected this would negatively affect the experience but how could I hate it? It's a Mochizuki manga. There wasn't much information when it first came out-- all we knew about the series was the genre, setting, and it had vampires--but I paid for the chapter anyway because it's Mochizuki. I fell in love with the characters easily and could barely wait for the next chapters to be released.

Story: 9

A lot of detailed information necessary for world building is explained early on, however, the chapters don't ... feel heavy with exposition. Transitions are fluid and the reader is only told what is necessary to understand the basics of the world. It's clear Mochizuki is keeping many secrets. However, retrospection and subtle foreshadowing keep the story cohesive while the plot remains complex and unpredictable.

Art: 10

I'm convinced Mochizuki is constantly intimidating her assistants with her ideas for the next chapter. The scenes are so detailed. Through Pandora Hearts, we've seen her art improve. VnC definitely benefits from her past experiences. Everything from the background and character design to clothes and facial expressions is amazing.

Character: 9

The complex characters was a major reason why I loved Pandora Hearts. Characters influence the plot which pushes characters to act and develop. There were clear protagonists and motivators but the story was much bigger than themselves and almost everyone at least had a chance to make a terrible mistake. Readers could remain emotionally invested in the characters even as their opinion of the character shifts. The expectation was high but, so far, Mochizuki doesn't disappoint.

Noe is both relatable and likable, absentminded and thoughtful, the perfect foil for the volatile and impulsive Vanitas. Their interactions feel genuine. I love that they could be dorks one minute and serious the next.

Enjoyment: 10

I'm enjoying the series.

Overall (so far):
9

Before I get into this there are two things I must admit: I love this show and have binged watched this twice with only a few months in between sessions but it has been about a year since I saw it last. So this won't be very long.

Many of the biggest complaints about the series seems to be caused by the fact it follows the manga with little changes then cuts off where the first arc ended naturally. In other words, the ending is exactly what happened in the manga so they can pick up where they left off if they ever want to ... continue with another season by just continuing to follow the manga (unlike another anime adaptation I know *cough* Pandora Hearts). Since it keeps the pacing of the manga, it is by no means a complete story. We're given bits and pieces of story and information about the world and characters but the anime ends before that information starts coming together in the manga.